RUNNING THE RACE

Daily Strength Blog

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Have you ever been driving on an unfamiliar road, and you say to yourself,

“I wonder if I am on the right road?”
According to Hebrews 12:1, there are three road signs on the highway that leads to heaven – and if we do not see these signs, we are on the wrong road.It is so significant to say this:ALL ROADS DO NOT LEAD TO HEAVEN.

Jesus said thereis a broad road that leads to destruction – only the narrow road leads to heaven. The
pathway to heaven is the pathway of faith, and that is what Hebrews11 is all about. We trust in Christ, His work on the cross, and the promises He made. We make decisions based upon what God has promised. All of our life, including our use of time, is based on trust.
Abel traveled the narrow road.
Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith, Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous.” Abel walked the narrow road by offering God the best he had. In contrast, Cain offered God what was left over.
For Noah, the pathway of faith came in building an Ark. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith, Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.”
For Abraham and Sarah, the pathway to heaven meant leaving their home and travelling to a land they would later receive.

So what does it mean for us to travel the highway that leads to heaven?
First, the highway to heaven demands that we travel light. We must lay aside every weight.
This has to do with the things we are attached to on earth. In other words, you have to lose your love for the things that are passing away. Let me get practical. How much money do you spend for things that pass away, and how much money do you spend on things that are eternal?

Are you travelling heavy with the accumulation of this world and its goods?
Secondly, the highway to heaven demands that we put aside the sin that clings.The highway to heaven is the
highway to holiness. So let me ask you – what sins are clinging to you – the ones you particularly love? Maybe it’s lust, or power. Or maybe it’s riches, the dream of fame, self-indulgence…
Whatever it is, tell Jesus, “I love this sin, but I want You to take it from me, make me hate and abandon it. I want to learn from You to hate every form of idolatry, and to find in You and You alone, my treasure chest of joy.” That’s the second road sign. That’s how you can tell which road you are on.
Thirdly, the highway to heaven demands that we run with endurance.
When I was in high school, I was a long distance runner, and here is what I learned. It requires endurance. You must ignore all the burning in your lungs and muscles in order to keep moving forward. It means fighting through those times in the middle of the race when you wonder why you are doing all of this. It means always going for the goal.
It means a long obedience in the same direction.

APPLICATION:
Today, are you on the right road?

Are you following the right “signs” – to travel light, abandon your sins, and run with endurance?

Spend some time in reflection and prayer to evaluate your life journey. Are you on the journey to heaven?

The pathway to heaven is the pathway of faith, and that is what Hebrews 11 is all about.